“The creation of a thousand forests is in one acorn.” Ralph Waldo Emerson goes on to say, “All I have seen teaches me to trust the Creator for all I have not seen.”
Recognizing the divine in all creation, possibly our Creator has embellished the month of March with special touches. Aside from the acknowledged longer hours of daylight and warming temps this month annually kicks off the season of Spring. Though unseasonable weather can persist, the beginning of Spring unleashes a certain hope within our soul—if you will, ‘yearnings.’ On the twentieth of this month, day and night are equal—the spring equinox. Alongside the beginning of Spring the month of March is wholly the season of Lent, with some exceptions. Our forty day journey is especially shaped during this month with our efforts to share with others in need, to focus on our times of daily prayer, and our efforts of fasting and abstaining, thus directing our attention on the will of our Creator.
May we not forget the 17th of this month, St. Patrick’s Day. Religious overtones of this feast are often an afterthought as individuals from all backgrounds feel the call to celebrate on this day. Possibly, just possibly the religious connotation is part and partial of our freedom to celebrate, bringing forth a spontaneous joy that is often lacking in a world that seems serious and at odds. As the saying goes: “Only Irish coffee provides in a single glass all four essential food groups: alcohol, caffeine, sugar and fat.” Lastly, the often forgotten saints day is on the nineteenth: St. Joseph. Quiet, respectful, responsible, protective, Joseph fulfilled what was asked of him with little need for public recognition. A mentor for anyone who struggles to find their place in God’s plans.
Next Sunday, the 14th, we will have our Lenten Communal Penance Service in Sacred Heart 1:00pm, and at St. Malachy’s, 3:00pm. Please feel welcome to receive this Sacrament, with proper distancing, as a preparation for our celebration of Easter; and a healing grace within our faith that has been challenged with the circumstances in the last several months. A beautiful passage from Colossians—chapter 3—exemplifies the grace of this Sacrament. Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another. . . .Forgive as the Lord forgave you. . . . Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful. Fr. Ross and I will be in the church through the hour if you cannot be present at the beginning.
As the diocese allows we are trying to get “back to normal” within our liturgies. Music is again part of our Masses and though I cannot invite you to sing—you do have good voices and may use them. Lectors remain a welcome part of our Masses, and now the invitation for Altar Servers to be present on the sanctuary. I hope families will allow their children to serve whether at St. John’s, St. Malachy’s or Sacred Heart. As we get closer to Holy Week, processions up the main aisle and back down will be permitted. Seeking some ‘normalcy’ while keeping our church gatherings safe.
We will begin taking Communion to the homebound by the end of the month. If any Eucharistic Minister would desire to help out with this Ministry please contact me. A special grace within Communion to the homebound for all who participate.
Thank you for your presence at Mass and willingness to help out within the ministries at Mass.
God Bless, Fr. Tim

We hope to have new altar cloths for the altar for Easter Sunday and used throughout the year. If anyone wishes to donate if memory of someone please contact the office. Thank you.